India is on the brink of achieving a historic milestone, with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar announcing that the country will soon surpass one billion voters. This significant achievement is expected to coincide with the upcoming elections in 2024, a year marked by numerous electoral events worldwide.
A Record-Breaking Year for Elections
During a press conference held on January 7, 2025, in New Delhi, Rajiv Kumar emphasized that 2024 would be a pivotal year for global elections, with approximately two-thirds of the world’s population in democracies participating in various polls. He noted that India is set to cross the 99 crore mark in registered voters, making it one of the largest democracies to reach this landmark.
Key Highlights from the Press Conference
- Electoral Roll Updates: The CEC announced that special summary revisions (SSR) in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Punjab would contribute to this record voter count. The results of these revisions are expected to be declared soon.
- Women’s Participation: Kumar highlighted that the number of female voters is projected to reach around 48 crore, reflecting a growing trend of women’s involvement in the electoral process.
- Recent Elections: He mentioned that recent elections in eight states and union territories have seen increased voter turnout and participation, particularly among women.
Upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections
In addition to the national voter milestone, Kumar also addressed the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5, 2025. The counting of votes will take place on February 8. This election is crucial as it will determine the composition of the 70-member Assembly before its term ends on February 23.
Political Landscape
The political atmosphere in Delhi is heating up as major parties gear up for the elections:
- The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, aims for a third consecutive term.
- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is working hard to challenge AAP’s dominance.
- The Congress Party is also making its presence felt, contesting independently after previously being an ally of AAP.
Ensuring Fairness in Elections
Rajiv Kumar addressed concerns regarding the integrity of electoral rolls and allegations of manipulation. He reassured the public that all processes are conducted transparently and that political parties are involved at every stage of voter list preparation. Kumar stated, “The right to question is inherent in democracy,” emphasizing the importance of addressing any doubts raised by political entities.
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on current reports and may be subject to change as new data becomes available.
